Carleton’s peer leader program provides leadership development experiences to 180+ student employees across 11 campus offices. There were 248 unique applicants for the 2025-2026 academic year, and 87 returners were hired. Residential Life has the largest group with 82 Peer Leaders, while other offices range from 3 to 19. 

Explore the following offices to learn more about each Peer Leader office and the specific responsibilities of the position.

Career Center

2025-26 SCA's

The SCA program has a dual-purpose role: provide resources and support to the campus community while engaging in high-level professional development yourself. The Career Center is hiring for seven distinct teams, each requiring a different flavor of expertise: Alumni Engagement, Assessment & Evaluation, Communication & Marketing, Data Analysis & Reporting, Employer Relations, Front Desk, and Peer Career Coaching.

Contact: Karen Eilers, Sarah Rechtzigel
Career Centerposition description

Gender & Sexuality Center

The Gender & Sexuality Center Associates (GSCAs) are responsible for fostering campus community through programs, education, outreach, and student support as it relates to gender & sexuality and LGBTQIA+ communities. Each GSCA will hold one of our three roles: Marketing & Communications, Campus Education & Resources, and Coordination & Belonging. GSCAs will gain experience in peer education, event planning, resource management, facilitation, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and community-building.

Contact: Kalena Thwaits
Gender & Sexuality Center position description

Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR)

Becoming an Accessibility Resource Peer Leader is an opportunity to positively impact Carleton and the greater community. Our peer leaders have the opportunity to mentor and support first-year students, provide academic support to peers, promote a positive disability culture through the implementation of campus activities, and help with program development.

Contact person: Elijah Genheimer
Accessibility Resourcesposition description

Office of the Chaplain

Chaplain’s Associates (CAs) support religious, spiritual, community, justice, and ethical life at Carleton. CAs facilitate weekly programs and services, work on special projects (discussion groups, religious road trips, meditation or prayer groups, social justice organizing, etc), and empower student religious life on campus. CAs should be committed to religious diversity, enjoy wrestling with life’s big questions, feel comfortable reflecting on their own beliefs and practices, and value community. Chaplain’s Associates must possess initiative, a willingness to both lead and collaborate, and an eagerness to learn and grow. All backgrounds and beliefs are encouraged to apply! 

Contact person: Christa Carlson, Rev. Schuyler Vogel ’07
Office of the Chaplainposition description

Office of Health Promotion

Within the Office of Health Promotion (OHP), Student Wellness Advocates (SWAs) utilize evidence-based public health approaches to support the well-being of Carleton students via educational programming, creation of resources, and connection to services. SWAs have broad public health responsibilities and also participate in one specific priority area based on their preferences, with the options of 1) sleep, 2) mental health, 3) sexual violence prevention, 4) sexual health and well-being, and 5) alcohol, cannabis, and other drug prevention.

Contact: Grace Espinoza, Ryan Anderson
Office of Health Promotion position description

Office of Intercultural Life

The Office of Intercultural Life provides resources and programs on issues of equity, inclusion, and diversity. OIL centers the experiences of students of color while working collaboratively to create a campus-wide culture of understanding and authentic living. The OIL Peer Leader program supports first-year students’ smooth transition to Carleton through mentorship, social events, and skill-building workshops. OIL Peer Leaders offer new students a personal perspective on the experience of living, growing, and succeeding in the Carleton community.  

Contact Person: Edwinna Johnson
Office of Intercultural Lifeposition description

Office of International Student Life

International Student Life provides resources and programming for international students to help provide an equitable and successful experience at Carleton. Our goal is to foster global citizens who excel inside and outside of the classroom and will represent Carleton around the world. International Peer Leaders help new international students and global nomads transition to life at Carleton, providing mentorship, friendship, and cultural support to a cohort of first-year students. Peer Leaders are expected to focus on strengthening our community that celebrates individual differences and inclusivity.

Contact person: Amy Kennedy
Office of International Student Lifeposition description

Residential Life

Resident Assistants (RAs) play a vital role in fostering a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic living environment at Carleton. They help create a community where students feel safe, engaged, and empowered to grow both personally and academically. RAs assist residents in adjusting to shared living spaces, promoting mutual respect, civility, and an appreciation for diversity. Through educational and social programming, they encourage meaningful connections, identity exploration, and holistic development, ensuring a positive residential experience for all.

Contact: Melaney Kamenick
Residential Lifeposition description

Student Activities Office

The Student Activities Office (SAO) develops and coordinates a variety of social, recreational, cultural, and developmental programs and services. In conjunction with The Student Activities Programming Board (SAPB) and The Carleton Student Association (CSA), we offer and support programs and services designed to challenge beliefs, educate others, inspire the individual, entertain the soul, and create a sense of campus community and pride.

Contact person: Grace Esselman
Student Activities Officeposition descriptions for Program AssistantsLeadership & Student Organizations, Music & Dance, Student Union Movie Organization (SUMO), Marketing & Graphic Design, and Special Events

Sustainability Office

Sustainability Assistants (STAs) help carry out campus-wide sustainability initiatives and serve as a resource for students, faculty, and staff. STAs typically focus on 1-2 areas of expertise—Food Systems, Climate Communication, Zero Waste, Energy & Operations, or Community Science, and engage for a healthy and flood-resilient Cannon River watershed. While specializing in one or two focus areas, all STAs assist with major events like Climate Action and Earth Week planning. Together, we build sustainability literacy and support advancing our sustainability goals in Carleton and in the surrounding community.

Contact person: Sarah Fortner
The Sustainability Office 
 – position description

TRIO / Student Support Services

The TRIO peer leaders help fellow TRIO students thrive at Carleton through a variety of efforts. Peer leaders plan and coordinate many activities, mentor first-year students, and assist TRIO staff with office tasks and the lending library.

Contact person: Neil Winberg
TRIO – Student Support Servicesposition description